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Most hybrid car drivers will tell you that their world is all about being gentle on the throttle, spending as much time as possible in that electric-only speed range even if it makes a family minivan look speedy. Volkswagen has just claimed a record for doing precisely the opposite: the 2013 Jetta Hybrid is reportedly the fastest production hybrid in the world, having come just shy of a verified 185.4MPH after an all-out assault on the Bonneville Salt Flats. The company did have to modify the sedan to reach the breakneck pace, tweaking the powertrain, wheels and interior to run safely on that atypical surface, but it isn’t known to have bumped the 150HP output of the gas engine or the 27HP of the electric motor. We have a hunch that VW’s title won’t last for long, whether or not we see the claim as valid — there are a few decidedly more performance-oriented hybrids rolling off assembly lines now and in the future. Still, until there’s a more direct challenge, one of the world’s more ubiquitous commuter cars is the hybrid speed leader.

Continue reading Volkswagen 2013 Jetta Hybrid sets speed record, gives new meaning to hypermiling

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Volkswagen 2013 Jetta Hybrid sets speed record, gives new meaning to hypermiling originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 19 Aug 2012 06:01:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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We’ve chronicled Flight of the Century founder and CEO Chip Yates‘ record-breaking 202.6MPH flight in his Long-ESA EV craft before. What we didn’t quite touch on, however, is the power loss Yates’ aircraft suffered after earning that electric plane speed record. Now Yates has released new video of the flight, which includes the moment his aircraft breaks the record, the ensuing power loss and his dramatic deadstick landing. That smile you see in the photo up there is the smile of a man who just made history and is also happy to be alive. Hey, we’re glad he’s safe, too. You can witness the close call yourself by checking out the video after the break.

[Image credit: Flight of the Century]

Continue reading Extra footage of record-setting Yates electric plane flight shows power loss, dramatic deadstick landing (video)

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Extra footage of record-setting Yates electric plane flight shows power loss, dramatic deadstick landing (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 27 Jul 2012 02:39:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Chip Yates is a speed junkie in the truest sense. After nabbing the title for world’s fastest EV motorcycle in April of 2011, the self-proclaimed “green technology innovator” is at it again. This time, Yates was able to conquer the sky above using the Long-ESA EV craft he and his Flight of the Century team engineered using a Burt Rutan Long-EZ and proprietary Infinite Range battery tech. The record-breaking flight in question took off from Inyokern Airport on July 19, achieving a top speed of 202.6MPH and solidifying Yates’ place in the pantheon of electric enthusiasts. You can head past the break to check out a brief video snippet of the successful mission in action, but fair warning: it’s not as exciting as you’d imagine. We’re guessing it’s one of those things you’d have to be there (in the cockpit) to appreciate.

Continue reading Chip Yates breaks yet another record, notches 202MPH in world’s fastest electric flight (video)

Chip Yates breaks yet another record, notches 202MPH in world’s fastest electric flight (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 22 Jul 2012 05:34:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Speed and cars go together like jam and sandwiches. Relatively speaking, electric vehicles, have still been slicing the loaf, while their fossil-fueled cousins slather on the thick, fruity speed. Things are changing though, as eloquently demonstrated by Drayson Racing at this year’s Goodwood Festival of Speed. The EV set a new race record for an electric machine, coming in at 53.91 seconds on its second run. So, while the 850 horsepower B12/69EV came 11th overall, it does show that the capabilities of the emission-less engines are making ground. With the recent record at the Nürburgring also tumbling, perhaps it’s time to reassess your motoring lunch bag.

Continue reading Drayson Racing’s B12/69EV sets new Goodwood record, electric cars move further up the grid

Drayson Racing’s B12/69EV sets new Goodwood record, electric cars move further up the grid originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 08 Jul 2012 04:48:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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